Women's Basketball

Varrell Eddie Named Baruch Women's Basketball Head Coach

Release courtesy Baruch Athletic Communications

NEW YORK — Baruch College Director of Athletics and Recreation Heather MacCulloch announced on Friday that Varrell Eddie has been named Head Coach of the Baruch College Women's Basketball team.

Eddie arrives at Baruch with more than 10 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels, as well as a proven track record of developing student-athletes and building successful programs throughout New York City.

Most recently, Eddie served as Head Coach of the women's basketball program at the City College of New York (CCNY) from 2022-23 through 2023-24. During his time with the Beavers, he guided the program while continuing to build on his reputation as a leader and mentor both on and off the court.

Prior to CCNY, Eddie spent seven seasons at Purchase College, beginning as an assistant coach before later taking over as head coach for five years. As an assistant, he helped lead the Panthers to a combined 33-21 record over two seasons, including a berth in the Skyline Conference Championship game and an appearance in the ECAC Metro Postseason Tournament during 2012-13. Purchase followed with a 16-10 campaign and a trip to the Skyline semifinals during 2013-14.

Eddie then gained valuable high school coaching experience as Head Coach of the girls' basketball program at Samuel Gompers High School in the Bronx from 2014-16. He successfully revitalized the program, leading the team to a five-win improvement during his tenure. He also served as an assistant coach for the Grand Street Campus boys' basketball team, helping the program achieve a school-record number of wins and its highest ranking in program history.

He returned to Purchase College and was elevated to Head Coach prior to the 2016-17 season. Under his leadership, the Panthers enjoyed a resurgence, posting a 15-12 record in 2017-18 and earning the program's first Skyline Conference Tournament appearance since 2013-14. During his tenure, Purchase also produced two Skyline All-Conference selections, highlighting the growth and development of the program and its student-athletes.

Beyond the sidelines, Eddie brings a wealth of experience in education and student leadership. He currently serves as Dean of Students at University Prep High School in the Bronx. Previously, he was the Program Director of the Learn-to-Work Program through East Side House at Mott Haven Community High School. His extensive leadership background also includes serving as Dean of Students at New Visions High School for the Humanities II from 2013 to 2017, followed by his role as Associate Director of School Culture from 2018 to 2019.

A native New Yorker, Eddie earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from SUNY Cortland in 2009 and a master's degree in Sports Business Management from Manhattanville College in 2012.

QUOTES

Heather Mac Culloch, Director of Athletics & Recreation
"We are excited to welcome Varrell Eddie to the Baruch Athletics family. Throughout the search process, Varrell distinguished himself as a leader who understands the true Division III student-athlete experience and the importance of developing young women both on the court and in the classroom. His extensive coaching experience, commitment to mentorship, and passion for building a positive, competitive culture align perfectly with the values of Baruch College Athletics.

Varrell has demonstrated an ability to develop student-athletes, foster meaningful relationships, and elevate programs through accountability, integrity, and hard work. We are confident that his vision for our women's basketball program will inspire our student-athletes to pursue excellence academically, athletically, and personally. We are thrilled to welcome him to Baruch and look forward to the future of Bearcat Women's Basketball under his leadership."

Varrell Eddie, Head Women's Basketball Coach
"I am truly honored, humbled, and excited to be the next Head Coach of the Baruch College Women's Basketball program. I understand the rich tradition and history of Baruch College and look forward to building on the success of those who came before me.

It is a blessing to coach the game that I love in my city and have the opportunity to impact the lives of young women through basketball. Basketball is one of the greatest teaching tools we have, and some of life's most important lessons can be learned and taught through the game. I am excited to help create an experience that our student-athletes will carry with them long after their playing days are over.

I am eager to get to work with this group and build on the development, accomplishments, and hard work they demonstrated last season. I look forward to getting to know our players, alumni, and the entire Baruch community as we begin this next chapter together."

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